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Why rush the Braylon Edwards trade?

As Artie pointed out in his post last night, Braylon Edwards to the New York Giants has no actual substance yet. The Browns, under Mangini, have successfully kept a lid on every free agent signing, every release, and the trade of Kellen Winslow. Nobody knew about the Winslow deal until it happened–there were distant rumors beforehand, but they were theoretical, based on Winslow’s contract, and how the new regime saw him fitting in. Nobody called the Bucs trade.

Items things to consider here: (1) Mangini wants the Cleveland Browns roster filled with his guys: team-first, workmanlike players who give all to the Browns. This likely played into Winslow’s departure. We are unsure what Mangini’s real take on Braylon is, but the hot/cold receiver is not viewed as a team guy by some. (2) Braylon’s contract runs out after 2009. This may be Cleveland’s only chance to get anything for him. Mangini and Kokinis are mining this team for value and trade value, anything that will allow them to get their guys in-house quickly. This is why we’re hearing all the trade talk–value, value, value. (3) The Giants clearly need a receiver and Braylon fits like a glove; The New York scene is perfect for Braylon, and he’s less likely to shoot himself in a nightclub than his predecessor. (4) Don’t expect this trade to happen before Draft Day. If the Giants can only offer their 1st and 5th, the Browns will look for a better deal, pushing the Giants to sweeten it. The terms, as suggested, are titlted heavily in the favor of New York, which suggests rumor and inaccuracy. Mangini and Kokinis are *listening* to trade offers for players like Edwards, Quinn, and Anderson, but not seeking them out. If this is all New York is willing to give, don’t look for the Browns to rush a trade. (5) ON THAT NOTE, GIANTS FANS: Contrary to popular belief, the Browns are not a farm team waiting around to GIVE their players away to bigger-market teams, simply to help them fill holes.